Viton™ for the Dairy Industry
Viton™ (FKM) fluorocarbon elastomers are used in the dairy processing industry for manufacturing O-rings, gaskets, seals, and custom molded parts that must withstand aggressive cleaning chemicals, elevated temperatures, and repeated washdown cycles. In modern dairy operations, sealing materials are exposed to fats, oils, proteins, cleaning agents, disinfectants, and thermal cycling, all of which place heavy demands on elastomer performance.
Viton™ O-rings, gaskets, and custom molded parts provide excellent resistance to oils, fats, lubricants, and many chemicals used during Clean-in-Place (CIP) and Sanitize-in-Place (SIP) processes. When properly specified, Viton™ materials are well suited for equipment-level sealing applications such as pumps, valves, homogenizers, heat exchangers, and filling systems where chemical resistance and long-term durability are critical.
The engineers and consultants at Canyon Components work closely with dairy equipment manufacturers and processors to ensure Viton™ is applied correctly and compliantly. Contact our expert staff for assistance selecting Viton™ O-rings, gaskets, and custom molded parts for dairy processing applications.
Common names include: FKM (Fluorocarbon), Fluorocarbon Rubber
Trade names include: Viton™, Fluorel®, Technoflon®, Dai-El®
Features of Viton™ in Dairy Applications
- Viton™ O-rings, gaskets, and custom molded parts provide excellent resistance to animal fats, oils, and lubricants
- Viton™ materials exhibit strong resistance to many alkaline and acidic CIP cleaning chemicals
- Viton™ O-rings and gaskets maintain mechanical integrity during thermal cycling
- Viton™ materials offer low compression set for long-term sealing reliability
- Viton™ compounds resist ozone, weathering, and aging in washdown environments
- Viton™ materials are available in controlled formulations suitable for regulated food-processing equipment
Limitations of Viton™ in Dairy Service
- Viton™ O-rings, gaskets, and custom molded parts have poor resistance to hot water and continuous steam exposure
- Viton™ materials are not ideal for prolonged SIP steam cycles compared to specialty steam-resistant elastomers
- Viton™ compounds are not recommended for strong amines or highly polar solvents
- Viton™ service temperature range varies by compound, with a typical maximum of 437°F (225°C)
- Certain dairy applications may require EPDM, silicone, or FFKM instead of FKM
Please consult a Canyon Components Engineer about your specific application and we will use our decades of experience to formulate a solution that fits your need.
FKM & Viton™ High Performance Polymer Types
There are many types of FKM Polymer Types that Canyon Components offers.
This includes FKM Types A, B, F, GLT, GFLT, XLT, ULT, ETP, & TBR.
The table below is a Viton™ selection guide that lays out the pluses and minuses of each variation.
Key: 1 = Excellent 2 = Good 3 = Poor 4 = Not Recommended
| Types of FKM | A | GF | GLT | GLT ED | GFLT | XLT | ETP | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon Compound Number | VT75BK00 | VT75BK20 | VT75BK30 | VT90BK31 | VT75BK40 | VT75BK50 | VT75BK60 | |||||||
| Description | General Purpose | General Purpose High Fluorine |
Low Temp | Low Temp Resistant to Explosive Decompression |
Low Temp High Fluorine |
Extreme Low Temp High Fluorine |
Viton® Extreme High Fluorine FEPM |
|||||||
| Cure Type | Bisphenol | Peroxide | Peroxide | Peroxide | Peroxide | Peroxide | Peroxide | |||||||
| Typical Fluorine Content | 66 | 69.5 | 64 | 64 | 66.5 | 66.5 | 67 | |||||||
| Typical High Temp Range °F (°C) | 437 (225) | 437 (225) | 437 (225) | 437 (225) | 437 (225) | 437 (225) | 437 (225) | |||||||
| Typical Low Temp Range °F (°C) | -15 (-26) | -15 (-26) | -40 (-40) | -40 (-40) | -35 (-37) | -54 (-48) | -6 (-21) | |||||||
| TR-10 °F (°C) | 1 (-17) | -6 (-21) | -22 (-30) | -22 (-30) | -11 (-24) | -40 (-40) | 12 (-11) | |||||||
| Oxygenated Automotive Fuels (containing MeOH, EtOH, MTBE, etc.) | 4 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||
| Reciprocating Engine Lubricating Oils (SE-SF Grades) | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||
| Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Process Fluids,Chemicals | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||
| Aromatic Hydrocarbon Process Fluids, | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||
| Aqueous Fluids: Water, Steam, Mineral Acids (H2SO4, HNO3, HCl, etc.) | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||
| Amines, High pH Caustics | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
FKM (Viton™) Materials Available for Dairy Manufacturing Service
This table shows many of our standard materials and links out to our O-ring store. Get in touch with us if you need a custom gasket, custom molded part, or non-standard geometry!
Filter by
Temperature Search (°C)
Please consult a Canyon Components Engineer about your specific application and we will use our decades of experience to formulate a solution that fits your need.
What Are Food and Dairy Grade Elastomer Materials?
Food and dairy grade elastomer materials are sealing compounds specifically engineered to meet the sanitation, safety, and regulatory requirements of food-processing environments. These materials must maintain sealing integrity while resisting degradation from repeated exposure to cleaning chemicals, high temperatures, and mechanical stress.
Common Considerations for Dairy-Grade Elastomers
- Food Contact Compliance: Materials must meet FDA and relevant food-contact regulations
- Chemical Compatibility: Resistance to caustic cleaners, acids, and sanitizers used in CIP/SIP systems
- Thermal Resistance: Ability to tolerate hot cleaning cycles without cracking or excessive compression set
- Hygienic Design: Materials must not harbor bacteria or degrade in ways that compromise sanitation
- Traceability: Full material and batch traceability for quality and regulatory audits
- Durability: Long service life to reduce downtime and maintenance
Key Standards for Viton™ in the Dairy Industry
- Viton™ compounds used in dairy processing equipment are often formulated to comply with FDA food-contact requirements for equipment-level sealing components, including O-rings and gaskets used in pumps and valves.
- Elastomers used in 3-A compliant equipment must demonstrate suitability for hygienic design, chemical resistance, and cleanability. Viton™ may be used in certain non-product-contact or controlled-contact sealing locations within 3-A compliant systems.
- Elastomer materials must not contaminate food products and must withstand sanitation processes without degradation. Viton™ compounds are commonly evaluated for these requirements when used in dairy equipment.
Please consult a Canyon Components Engineer about your specific application and we will use our decades of experience to formulate a solution that fits your need.
Food & Dairy
FDA Compliant Materials
Discover FDA compliant materials for food, medical, and pharmaceutical use, meeting strict safety standards.
NSF 51 Materials
Discover NSF 51 materials for food equipment, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, hygiene, and durability.
USDA 3A Materials
Explore USDA 3A materials for dairy and food processing, ensuring hygiene, safety, and USDA compliance.
EU 1935/2004 Materials
Explore EU 1935/2004 materials for food contact, ensuring safety, hygiene, and compliance with regulations.
Other Common Elastomers Used in the Dairy Industry
Click here to see some of our most commonly served industries!
Canyon Components supports dairy processors and equipment manufacturers with material selection guidance, compliance support, and custom sealing solutions designed for hygienic, high-uptime operations. Whether you need Viton™ O-rings for chemical resistance or an alternative elastomer for steam-heavy service, our engineering team is ready to help.
Canyon Components strives to meet all customer service requests. Feel free to contact Canyon Components engineering and let our knowledgeable staff help you design the perfect part for your needs.
Canrez® FFKM Perfluoroelastomer
FFKM O-rings and gaskets are used in extreme dairy environments requiring maximum chemical and temperature resistance, especially where aggressive CIP chemicals exceed the limits of EPDM or FKM.
Metal Detectable O-rings
Metal detectable O-rings and gaskets support dairy food safety programs by allowing seal fragments to be identified by metal detection systems used in processing and packaging equipment.
X-Ray Detectable O-rings, Gaskets, Elastomers
X-ray detectable O-rings and gaskets are designed for dairy facilities using X-ray inspection systems, enabling rapid detection of elastomer contamination within finished food products.
Aflas® (TFE/P)
AFLAS O-rings and gaskets offer excellent resistance to alkaline cleaners, amines, and steam, making them suitable for demanding dairy CIP environments where standard FKM may degrade.
Silicone (VMQ, PVMQ)
Silicone O-rings and gaskets offer excellent flexibility and wide temperature capability, making them ideal for static seals, sanitary fittings, and low-pressure dairy applications requiring frequent disassembly.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene)
Food-grade EPDM O-rings and gaskets are widely used in dairy processing for excellent resistance to steam, hot water, and CIP and SIP chemicals in hygienic sealing applications.
HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile)
Food-grade HNBR O-rings and gaskets are used in dairy equipment requiring higher mechanical strength and resistance to fats, oils, and dynamic wear than standard NBR materials.
Neoprene (CR)
Neoprene O-rings and gaskets provide balanced resistance to water, mild chemicals, and wear, making them suitable for non-critical dairy sealing applications and washdown environments.
Polyurethane (PU, AU)
Polyurethane O-rings and gaskets are used in dairy applications requiring high abrasion resistance and strength, such as scrapers, actuators, and dynamic mechanical sealing components.
Please consult a Canyon Components Engineer about your specific application and we will use our decades of experience to formulate a solution that fits your need.
All Other FKM (Viton™) Types Available
Viton™ Type A – General Purpose FKM
Viton™ Type A FKM O-rings, gaskets, and custom molded parts provide balanced heat and chemical resistance. This general purpose fluorocarbon elastomer is widely used in industrial sealing applications involving fuels, oils, and hydrocarbons.
Viton™ Type B – Improved Chemical Resistance FKM
Viton™ Type B FKM offers enhanced resistance to aggressive fuels, aromatics, and chemical blends compared to Type A. This high-fluorine fluorocarbon elastomer is commonly specified in demanding fuel systems.
Viton™ Type F – Improved Chemical Resistance FKM
Viton™ Type F FKM provides superior resistance to oxygenated fuels, solvents, and aggressive chemical environments. This fluorocarbon elastomer is frequently used in automotive and industrial fuel sealing applications.
Viton™ Type GF – High Fluorine FKM
Viton™ Type GF FKM features increased fluorine content for improved resistance to fuels, biodiesel, and harsh chemicals while maintaining strong mechanical properties and sealing reliability.
Viton™ Type GLT – Low Temperature FKM
Viton™ Type GLT FKM delivers improved low-temperature flexibility compared to standard fluorocarbon elastomers, supporting sealing performance in colder climates without sacrificing chemical resistance.
Viton™ Type GFLT – Low Temperature and Chemical Resistant FKM
Viton™ Type GFLT FKM combines enhanced low-temperature flexibility with improved resistance to aggressive fuels and chemical blends, making it suitable for demanding fluorocarbon sealing applications.
Viton™ Type ETP – Specialty Chemical Resistant FKM
Viton™ Type ETP FKM provides exceptional resistance to aggressive chemicals, steam, and amines. This specialty fluorocarbon elastomer is often used in oil, gas, and chemical processing systems.
Viton™ Type ULT – Ultra Low Temperature FKM
Viton™ Type ULT FKM is engineered for ultra-low temperature environments while maintaining fluorocarbon chemical resistance, making it suitable for extreme cold industrial and aerospace sealing systems.
Viton™ Type XLT – Extreme Low Temperature FKM
Viton™ Type XLT FKM extends low-temperature sealing capability beyond GLT grades, offering reliable fluorocarbon elastomer performance in severe cold and aerospace environments.
Back to Industries Hub
Get A Quote Now!
Groove Design References
Learn More
Coatings, Packaging, & Other Services
Learn More
Custom Parts & Custom O-rings
Learn More